Nanotechnology in glass materials (review).

The status of nanotechnology is briefly examined. It is noted that a quite large number of existing glass materials contain nanostructures and essentially are nanomaterials (nanocomposites). A classification of the nanostructures observed in glasses is given. The nanolevel structure of certain known glass materials is described, and their properties which are due to the presence of a nanophase are presented. Certain glass-based nanocomposites which are obtained today are identified and certain problems of directed synthesis of nanocomposites with a glassy matrix are elucidated. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]